Public Speaking Course:

The Front Row

When I conducted my pre-program research before going to speak in Thailand,
I discovered that a custom used in meetings is to seat VIP attendees
in the front row. No one of a lesser status either socially or work
related would ever think of sitting closer to the front than their boss, or someone
of a higher social ranking. This is custom is pretty much nonexistent in
Western meetings, but carries a much higher significance in
Thailand and Asia. Since many meetings are rather westernized anyway,
don't fret if your presentation is not run this way, but your knowledge
and participation with this custom can earn you some real points with the
people that count. You will learn more about this custom in my public
speaking course.

Room Setup

I normally use a semi-circular theatre style room setup whenever I
can, since it works with the audience so well. Instead of using this
style for my Thailand program, I found out approximately how many VIPs there
would be and set the front row with plush chairs that were obviously
nicer and different than the rest of the typical hotel chairs. I befriended
one of the attendees who knew what the VIP attendees looked like. When
a VIP was identified, either me or my assistant escorted them to a front
row seat. But all the
audience counts, but none too much, so when I had some time to blow
while awaiting the arrival of the Governor, I went around the room allowing
the attendees to name themselves and their affiliations. I started at
the back of the room and ended with the most senior official in the
front row. These gestures were very well received and opened the door for a very productive presentation. These skills are very important to
what you will learn from my public speaking course.